not anticipated that any
for some 2/3 weeks.
SECRET UK EYES A
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official line would be made known
One assessment was that the
The
introduction into service of the remaining 3 vessels would
be delayed until late 1992 or even early 1993.
Secretary pointed out that this eventuality could impinge
upon the Garrison Withdrawal Plan since the withdrawal of
the remaining 3 RN Patrol Craft was connected with the
effective introduction into service of the balance of the
Sector Control Vessels.
21.
The Chairman expressed some surprise at the news and,
in particular, the time-frames indicated. SO2 J3 Ops said
that this was new information which was as yet incomplete.
The Chairman pointed out that the Hong Kong Government was
well resourced to tackle the problems and that if immediate
solutions were not apparent, there would be justification
in asking for another form of approach, even if this did
involve expenditure. CBF observed that the Hong Kong Government was actively seeking remedies. It was agreed that execution rather than expenditure was more likely to pose a problem. In this context, CBF pointed out that,
although the problem had yet to be formally addressed, it
held potential implication for the Withdrawal Plan, which
was in concept event led. In reply, the Chairman expressed
the need for reassurance that all practicable options were
being pursued and that the Hong Kong Government should be given strong encouragement to seek a remedy. CBF agreed.
The Chairman continued by saying that when he visited in
Hong Kong, he had aired the possibility of assistance being
provided via RN Loan Service Personnel. CBF said that
although this was a good idea, it had not found favour in
Hong Kong Government eyes.
22.
Because of possible implications for the RN presence study, DN Plans asked if the thinking on time-scale had been
based on the abandonment of the existing design in favour
of a new vessel. SO2 J3 said this was so. DN Plans then
FCO
HQ BFHK
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SECRET UK EYES A
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